MEET YOUR MASTERS

From the Original Broadway Cast of RENT, to the big screen in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’, Taye Diggs has been a staple in modern American entertainment for decades. Not only was he the powerful antagonist in the musical that introduced us to the hardships of our own world and to the beauty of being who we are but he is the quintessential example of grit, determination, and perseverance. In this segment of Broadway Masters, Taye takes us on a journey from his middle school production of Tom Sawyer through his illustrious acting career that led him from Broadway to the big screen, and ultimately into our living rooms

TAYE DIGGS

Original Broadway Cast: CINDERELLA, GREASE (REVIVAL), BONNIE & CLYDE

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Laura Osnes is not only a musical theater staple, but one of the most beloved ingenues to grace Broadway. She takes us from getting her start winning the hit reality show ‘You’re The One that I Want’ and landing the dream role of Sandy in Grease on Broadway to originating the iconic title role of the revival of Roger and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’. Laura gives us valuable insight into how to take your passion and determination and let them lead you to personal success. From an audition for a Disney Cruise Line to a starring role on Broadway, Laura leads us on a journey that’s practically a fairytale in itself.

LAURA OSNES

Original Broadway Cast: RENT, IF/THEN

Film: RENT

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Best known for playing Mark Coen, the beloved filmmaker that touched our hearts in what would turn out to be one of the most groundbreaking musicals of all time, Anthony Rapp’s artistry and contribution to the American musical theater has touched the lives of millions over decades. From working closely with Idina Menzel in If/Then and originating roles so iconic they not only conquered the Broadway stage, but also the silver screen, Anthony takes us on a journey through love, loss and sacrifice.

ANTHONY RAPP

Broadway Cast: GODSPELL (REVIVAL), WICKED

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Lindsay Mendez is truly a musical theater powerhouse. She broke into the Broadway scene as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked and originated roles in the revival of Godspell, alongside Sherri Renee Scott in Everyday Rapture, and in the Off-Broadway hit, Dog Fight. Lindsay's love for musical theater is deeply rooted in her decades of experience from community theater to the great White way and teaches us the importance of community in not only the industry, but within your cast.

LINDSAY MENDEZ

Original Broadway Cast: IN THE HEIGHTS, ALADDIN

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As Disney continues to give us stunning Broadway productions, there is no one quite like Courtney Reed to grace the Disney stage. From starting in the ensemble of Mamma Mia to Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit ‘In the Heights’, she quickly caught the ear of none other than Alan Menkin himself and landed the part of a lifetime, originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. But the biz wasn’t always easy for this starlet, and not only does Courtney give us a look into what it’s like to work as the ingenue in a popular Disney Broadway Production, but how street smarts, determination and relentless commitment gave her an edge on the competition.

COURTNEY REED

Charlotte D’Amboise has graced the stage in some of the most iconic Broadway musicals in modern American theater. From working with legends like Jerome Robbins in Jerome Robbins Broadway, understudying Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity to headlining Chicago and originating the role of Cassie in the Broadway Revival of ‘A Chorus Line’, Charlotte is the true example of how to sustain a career on Broadway that now spans over 30 years.

CHARLOTTE D'AMBOISE

Original Broadway Cast: IN THE HEIGHTS, HAMILTON

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Jon Rua had no idea that just his third Broadway musical and second with Lin-Manuel Miranda would not only be a critical hit, but a global and generational phenomenon. Hamilton has crossed entertainment boundaries, and shattered almost every Broadway record in history. Not only is Jon part of the original cast of Hamilton, but has the unique opportunity to be one of the first to understudy Lin Manuel Miranda himself playing the title role of Alexander Hamilton. Jon gives us an insight into what it’s like to embody such an iconic character and remain focused in a time of immense success. Rua’s artistry and focus on building a strong relationship with his talents gives us a valuable window into what makes a successful Broadway career.

JON RUA

Original Broadway Cast: CHORUS LINE, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Tour: WICKED (Fiyero)

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We are no stranger to the versatility and immense talents of ensemble performers. But what makes a successful Broadway performer is being able to sustain a dance career while preparing to gracefully step into that leading role. Nick Adams started out performing in the ensembles of Broadway shows such as Guys and Dolls and the Pirate Queen. His talent and tenacity, however, led him to starring roles like Fiyero in Wicked, and Felicia in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Nick has danced some of the hardest roles on Broadway and gives us an incredible insight into how to sustain a dance career over numerous successful productions by staying focused and disciplined. According to Nick, taking care of yourself can ensure longevity on Broadway.

NICK ADAMS

Original Broadway Cast: MOVIN' OUT, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

Film: BLACK SWAN

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Who else can say they spent their formative dancing years gracing the stage every night at Lincoln Center, then being afforded the opportunity to coach the biggest stars in what would turn out to be one of the most critically acclaimed, Oscar winning films of the 21st century. Kurt Froman went from dancing in the corps de ballet with the New York City Ballet to a leading role in the Broadway Production of Movin’ Out. He then coached Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in Darren Aronifsky’s Oscar winning thriller ‘Black Swan’. Kurt gives us insight into what it takes to go from performing with the most prestigious American ballet company to dancing with some of today’s most prolific choreographers like Twyla Tharpe and Christopher Wheeldon.

KURT FROMAN

Original Broadway Cast: A CHORUS LINE (REVIVAL), SPIDERMAN TURN OFF THE DARK, MEMPHIS, LA CAGE (REVIVAL), BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

Film: FAME, MAN ON WIRE

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Over the entire series we have brought you interviews with some of the most successful Broadway performers who have originated and starred in some of the most iconic shows and films in modern musical theater history. And you’ve had the opportunity to watch director Paul McGill peel back their layers and give our masters the ability to share their invaluable experience. Now, it is time to turn the tables. Paul McGill tells his story, on how he went from booking his first Broadway show at only 17, to originating Mark in the Broadway Revival of A Chorus Line, starring in the MGM remake of the film, Fame, and performing in Memphis, Bullets Over Broadway, and even as Spider-Man himself. He is now an award winning choreographer of both stage and screen whose work has been seen in New York, Los Angeles, and throughout Europe. Having worked extensively on the Tony Award winning Broadway musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, Paul gives us valuable insight on how to use natural talent to forge your own path but why it’s important to discipline the mind, body and spirit.